Latest from Ministry of Defence

Letters: Easter trading laws inconsistent and illogical
OPINION: The Defence Capability Plan overlooks key modern threats.

Editorial: For too long many of our veterans have gone unrecognised
OPINION: The recognition comes on the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

War hero who died in Afghanistan, Rory Malone, gets his final farewell
A final farewell was held for Corporal Rory Malone — killed in Afghanistan in 2012. Video \ Jason Dorday

Thomas Coughlan: Defence overhaul will hit spending in other areas
OPINION: $12 billion does not go a long way in the defence world.

New helicopters, planes, strike capability: Govt’s $12b spend on defence revealed
The plan reveals $12 billion in funding over the next four years.

NZDF quietly remove some entry requirements for NCEA levels 1 and 2
Applications surged to 9702 in 2024 after the academic changes were made.

Final report blames human error for HMNZS Manawanui’s sinking
Autopilot oversight led to $100m Navy ship disaster on reef in Samoa, report says.

NZDF prepares medics for disaster relief amid severe weather events
The exercise simulates a severe weather event on a Pacific Island.

Missile launch a fort for NZ Defence Force
A Penguin missile was fired for he first time from a Seasprite helicopter recently in a world first for New Zealand. Video / NZ Defence Force

NZ Defence Spending, German Election & Pope’s Health | NZ Herald News Update
China fires live rounds near NZ, Germany’s snap election results, Pope Francis’ health, and Destiny Church news.

‘Deliberately hyped’: China hits back at Australia's reaction to live-fire naval drills
Commercial flights had to change course after a live-fire warning.

China begins second military exercise in Tasman Sea
China notified NZ Defence of the live firing via radio channels on Saturday.

‘Disconcerting’: Australia says China has not explained naval live-fire warning
Chinese ships issued a live-fire warning via radio to planes over the Tasman Sea.

‘Significant’: Judith Collins says Chinese war ships in Tasman Sea a ‘wake-up call’
New Zealand was given no warning of the ships.

Aoraki/Mt Cook search on hold and Sevu Reece discharged without conviction | NZ Herald News Update
The search for three missing climbers on Aoraki/Mt Cook remains on hold and Sevu Reece has been discharged without conviction following an incident at a Cup Day party last year.

Defence Minister uses 'extraordinary' power during NZDF strike
About 1000 civilian workers have ramped up industrial action in the last week.

Flash Floods in Spain and Defence Force Shortages | NZ Herald News Update
Flash flood toll rises in Spain, NZ suicide prevention controversy, and NZDF recruitment declines.

Judith Collins speaks with Ryan Bridge
Defence Minister Judith Collins speaks with Ryan Bridge from Nato Defence Ministers' meeting in Brussels. Video / Newstalk ZB

Watch: Underwater footage of HMNZS Manawanui in Samoa
Underwater footage of HMNZS Manawanui in Samoa shows a slow diesel leak from an engine room pipe and vent which is causing a slight sheen on the sea’s surface.

Focus: Defence Minister Judith Collins gives update on sinking of HMNZS Manawanui
The HMNZS Manawanui sank this morning after fire took hold of the listing vessel, which ran aground near Upolu, Samoa.

Judith Collins announces new Defence Force chiefs
Defence Minister Judith Collins announces new Defence Force chiefs, including the first woman Army chief, Brigadier Rose King. Video / Mark Mitchell